Learn to Recognize and Address Human Trafficking From Local Experts

Photo Submitted

Human trafficking is not a crime often considered to occur among college students. It frequently happens without any attention given toward it. "In 2020, there were 16,658 confirmed cases of human trafficking on U.S. college campuses. The actual number of victims among college students is thought to be much higher," says Megan and Chad Kumpe, well known volunteer speakers with Hub of HOPE, a local organization addressing human trafficking throughout Northwest Arkansas. 

The Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center is pleased to host "Introduction to Human Trafficking: Awareness Fuels Rescue" to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Arkansas Union Theater. The Kumpes will define human trafficking, identify risk factors and discuss occurrence and how to fight against human trafficking. 

"Human trafficking, also known as modern day slavery, is a global problem that is hidden in plain sight.  It happens in our communities, schools and campuses. Nearly 50 million people are trapped in human trafficking," Megan Kumpe says. 

Chad Kumpe adds, "More people are enslaved today in human trafficking than during the entire Trans-Atlantic slave trade. We know that human trafficking is vastly underreported due to several barriers of self-identification."

Join us for this engaging Sexual Assault Awareness Month event. A reception with light refreshments will be held afterwards with an opportunity to continue the conversation with the Kumpes after their presentation. "My hope is that awareness and understanding of this problem will help others identify those enslaved and promote rescue. Awareness fuels rescue," says Megan Kumpe. 

Participating on this night are RESPECT peer educators and Students Against Human Trafficking, a relatively new registered student organization.

Our campus community is reminded that should any SAAM events prompt personal challenge due to previous trauma from sexual or relationship violence, the SRVC is a confidential place to seek help with identifying care and reporting options.